Once upon a time we Malaysians took pride in living as a multiracial society. It was with great joy that we shared our cultural diversities, information and knowledge with one another.

Today, sadly, the reverse has happened. Each ethnic group in the country is unabashedly looking after their own self-interest. It appears that the respective race groups in the country are only too glad to maintain the welfare of their own self-interests.

As Malaysians, are they to be blamed for the fast eroding sense of affection and compassion towards fellow Malaysians? Maybe not, looking at the way in which some 'leaders' here are busy politicising racial issues and interests.

One such disturbing scenario concerned the recent statement made by Higher Education Minister Shafie Salleh who took great 'pride' in stating that the doors of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UiTM) will never be opened to non-bumiputera students.

The speech, as malicious and seditious as it was, took place during the recent Umno general assembly. What was further disheartening was that Shafie's outburst was welcomed with great applause by those present during his winding up motion.